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Day 1 - Arrive Beijing
Meet your guide on arrival at Beijing Airport for the transfer to the centrally located, five-star China World Hotel for an indulgent four night stay.
Day 2 - Gate of Heavenly Peace
Begin with a visit to Tian’anmen Square, the world’s largest open public space, before walking under Chairman Mao’s iconic portrait into the depths of the Forbidden City. Home of the Ming and Qing Imperial families from 1492 until the Last Emperor Puyi left in 1925, you’ll be amazed by the size and majesty of the magnificent architecture. By special arrangement, you will visit two areas not normally open to the public; the Palace of Double Glory, the private palace of the Qianlong Emperor; and Shu Fang Zhai, the Emperor’s lodge, which, with a series of courtyards and rooms featuring original furniture from the Qing Dynasty, is latterly used as reception chambers for heads of state and dignitaries.
Lunch is located in pavilions on Hortensia Island in Beihai Park. Here former chefs from the Forbidden City founded a restaurant in 1925 called ‘Emulating the Imperial Table’. Sample a lavish Manchu or Chinese banquet and taste dishes served to China’s political leaders. Follow the imperial path to the UNESCO heritage listed Temple of Heaven, where Emperors consulted the gods, prayed for good harvests and received their mandate to rule. Spend the afternoon on the ruins of Beijing’s original city wall and take in some contemporary Chinese art at the Red Gate Gallery, run by Australian Brian Wallace, in the last remaining watchtower rising above the ring roads full of traffic. For dinner, experience high-end hotpot at Huangcheng Lao Ma where you dip a vast array of fresh meat and vegetables in a master stock and/or spicy soup to create a truly memorable meal. After dinner stroll through the bustling lanes of Beijing’s Qianmen area to take in traditional Peking Opera performed in a tea house. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Tombs, Temples and tradition
Depart early to the north of Beijing to the resting place of Empresses, Emperors and their concubines in the picturesque Ming Tombs. Walk the Sacred Way and marvel at exquisite marble sculptures depicting pairs of mythical animals guarding the imperial mausoleum. Spend a leisurely lunch by the lakes of the Summer Palace built as an exclusive retreat by the Empress Dowager Cixi. You’ll be impressed by the ornate temples, pavilions, and covered corridors, set amidst a manicured landscape, which reflects the refinement of this fallen matriarch. In the afternoon, go next door to the deserted Garden of Eternal Brightness or Yuan Ming Yuan, which was destroyed by foreign invaders during the Opium Wars. En route back into Beijing visit the Olympic Green including the Australian designed Water Cube and the beguiling Bird’s Nest before completing the day with traditional Peking Duck served in a restored Ming dynasty imperial granary. Continually voted as the best duck in Beijing, Dadong Roast Duck delivers divine duck cooked over fruit scented firewood with an endless choice of condiments. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - High art and Hidden lanes
The morning begins with a tour of Beijing’s rapidly disappearing hutongs (lane ways) around the back lakes of the Forbidden City, once home to princes, eunuchs and imperial servants. Take a pedicab through the narrow streets before stepping off to the Yuan dynasty marble bridge that was once part of the Grand Canal. Visit Madam Song Qingling's residence where the Last Emperor, Puyi, was born, then absorb the tranquillity of Prince Gong’s gardens before stopping at the Drum Tower and finding some eclectic bargains in laneway boutiques at Nanluogu Xiang. Lunch is at Han Cang on the edge of the back lakes featuring the hard to find Hakka cuisine of China’s southern coastal nomads. Enjoy their famous foil baked fish and salt baked prawns that will bring on a mighty thirst. Drop into the Yonghegong Lama Temple, where Tibetan Buddhism is still practiced in Beijing, en route to the 798 Arts District, where contemporary artists have set up studios and small galleries in a former factory designed by East German architects. See how industry and art are still joined together as neighbours and take home some unique souvenirs. Try some sizzling Sichuan cuisine at the award winning South Beauty and finish the night with amazing acrobats. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Wall to wall wonders
Pack your bags for an overnight stay with a difference. Travel to the remote Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China and upon arrival visit a delightful weathered farmhouse surrounded by orchards. Eat simple but delicious hand pulled noodles in the shadow of the Great Wall before moving off the beaten track through wild farm country of the Manchurian foothills past breathtaking scenery to un-restored sections of the Wall, dating back to the first emperor Qin Shihhuangdi and Ming Emperor Wan Li. Stay overnight at Beijing’s first eco-resort, the Red Capital Ranch, and grab the rare opportunity to see the sun rise and set over the Great Wall. Sample wild gourmet cuisine in a former imperial Manchurian hunting lodge and soothe your soul with Tibetan tea after an exhilarating day on the Wall. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Great Wall and beyond
A leisurely morning to catch up on some sleep or to further explore the incredible Great Wall, perhaps before the sunrise! In the afternoon, transfer back to the China World Hotel for a further two nights. Spend the late afternoon bargaining for antiques in the restored Qing Street, Liulichang, followed by an unforgettable meal in the ever expanding courtyard restaurant Huajia Yiyuan located among the red lanterns of Ghost Street. Watch local performers or take a quiet seat in the rear courtyards and sample some home style cooking at its best. (B,D)
Day 7 - Old and new
Wake up early and travel by Flying Pigeon on an escorted bike trip through the hutongs to Ritan Park for a private Tai Chi lesson in this tree-covered ancient garden. Watch as the city begins to wake, and explore the open air markets before returning to the hotel and an afternoon spent at your leisure to visit the famous shopping malls. Return for your final meal featuring the amazing Dai minority of southern Yunnan Province. Enjoy deep fried savoury potato balls with a sweet dipping sauce, pineapple fried rice, and lemongrass fish to appreciate the diversity of China’s regional cuisines. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Depart Beijing
Drive past some of the city’s amazing architecture en route to Beijing Airport and your flight home. (B)
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